Detroit 2012: Audi Q3 Vail

The Audi Q3 Vail concept car has been unveiled at the Detroit motor show 2012.

It's a ski-inspired version of Audi's Q3 SUV, featuring flared wheel arches, running boards and winter sports-specific roof rails and is named after Vail ski resort in Colorado.

The Q3 Vail is powered by a 310bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. That gives the concept car a top speed of 163mph, while it can knock off 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds.

To further enhance the Q3 Vail's sporty credentials, it has flared wheel arches and running boards, giving the car a more rugged 4x4 look than the production version.

It is also 30mm higher than the standard car, and the area between the axles has been increased by 40mm.

The aluminium roof rails are especially designed to hold skis or snowboards and also house LED lights that illuminate the area around the Q3 Vail.

There are neat touches in the interior, too, including a Thermos flask that sits in the cup holder between the front seats and is able to warm or chill drinks. Oh, and if your tootsies are cold after a hard day on the piste, the Q3 Vail has heated floor mats.